A wonderfully witty and enjoyable film which skewers political correctness and an unhealthy bias of whites towards black matters, nailed at the outset when a white student complains about having to look at the word 'Nigger' and Wright drily comments that he's got over it so can she. Failing but brilliant writer Jeffrey Wright writes a book from the 'gangsta' point of view and (of course) it becomes a bestseller, then a film ('The dumber I behave, the richer I get'). In the meantime he's looking after his demented mom, reconnecting with sister Tracee Ellis Ross and arguing with no good brother Sterling K. Brown, whilst romancing neighbour Erika Alexander. Issa Rae is a rival writer. With Adam Brody, John Ortiz (publisher). We noticed Wright being so good in The French Dispatch so it was good to see him in the lead role.
Wright was also Oscar nominated |
So yeah, it's also about family, and it's also very funny.
Warm sub-plot features treasured housekeeper Myra Lucretia Taylor and policeman Raymond Anthony Thomas (I think).
Jefferson is a publisher turned TV writer (including on Master of None and Watchmen) and this is his debut film, which won the Oscar and BAFTA for Best Adapted Screenplay (from 2001 novel 'Erasure' by Percival Everett).
Very good interesting jazzy piano led score from Laura Karpman, DP Cristina Dunlap, editor Hilda Rasula, all unknowns to me.
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